Perry Lynn Smith

US Patent:

6443660, Sep 3, 2002

Filed:

Nov 27, 2000

Appl. No.:

09/723124

Inventors:

Perry Smith - Odenton MD
Mark van Emmerik - Millersville MD
Jeff Ledda - Prince Frederick MD
Steve Wright - Tampa FL
Bruce D. Caldwell - Jenner CA

Assignee:

Oceaneering International, Inc. - Houston TX

International Classification:

E02D 574

US Classification:

405224, 405222, 4052241, 405191, 114 44, 114 51, 114244

Abstract:

An apparatus for manipulating an object located proximate an underwater floor is disclosed, in a preferred embodiment comprising a foundation implantable in the underwater floor; a lifting frame extending between the foundation; and a multiplicity of slings mounted adjacent to each other and attached to the lifting frame such that each of the slings is suspended in a cradle-like configuration from the lifting frame. Each of the slings further comprises a top surface facing away from the underwater floor and a padding material mounted proximate the top surface of each sling. The foundation may further comprise suction piles. A monitoring system comprising instrumentation may also be used to aid in guiding the load transfer of the object from the floor to the lifting frame. A method of lifting is described comprising lowering and securing the foundation into the underwater floor proximate the object to be retrieved, positioning the lifting frame proximate the object to be retrieved, installation of containment material, securing lifting frame ends onto the foundation, securing each end of each sling onto the lifting frame as well as positioning each sling under the object to be retrieved, tensioning each sling, and then raising the object by raising the lifting frame.